new.

(Picked up this Massachusetts picture for my dorm. For now, it's decorating my bedside table.)

So far, this week has been a good one. Well, minus Monday. Monday was great at first & then it seemed to get kinda poopy later. & really for no reason...I don't know about you, but do you ever put way too much pressure on yourself? Maybe I just have that problem. It's a stressful one! But if you happen to share this struggle, I hope you have a great sister (or sibling) & a best friend to help pull you through & get to you back to normal, like I have. I'm so grateful I do.

Yesterday was a good day & what made it even better was a surprise coffee date with my dear friend, Elizabeth. We're kinda hooked on going to Lost Bean because they just added on a beautiful new room. It's quaint & perfect for long conversations.

What made yesterday particularly special though was hearing the wonderful news that my cousin Kari & her husband are pregnant with a sweet little girl! She is arriving in June & my family just can't wait to meet her. We already have goodies for her & she is going to be one spoiled child. Her parents will probably be the coolest around. I hope to see her as much as I can when I'm in Massachusetts!

Last night & today I have been so encouraged by the thought that God makes all things new. Not only does He make us new if we are willing to submit to his will, but He gives us renewed hearts filled with new passions & goals. Passions & goals that are clearly placed there by God because they are far more incredible than what you & I would think up for ourselves. & as you continue going about your life pursuing these big dreams, God takes you to new places that also bring about new surroundings, friends, lessons. & your life feels so much more richer and satisfying because you are following after what God has established for your life. I really love that thought. He is a personal Savior who wants to take you places. He knows how to make your life exciting. I always say that He is unexpected too because He throws in all sorts of surprises along the way, sometimes great, sometimes a little hard. But it's all part of the adventure.

Maybe the word "new" seems so prevalent in my brain because of the rainy weather we just had. Or maybe it's because Spring is on its way. Or the creation of a new life that will soon be a part of my family. Or the fact that I will be living in a new state just 6 months from now...

I think we all can look around & find the areas where God is bringing in the new. I promise you won't be bored if you take the time to do so.